Merchandise shipping and display container

ABSTRACT

A shipping container having a housing for holding merchandise and having a top that may be opened to allow access to the inside of the housing. A topper contained within the housing is positioned within the housing to present a surface when the lid is opened. A device coupled to the topper is operable to lift the topper and reveal merchandise contained in the housing. The device operable to lift the topper may be a tab, notch or other mechanism coupled to the topper so as to allow the topper to be rotated, slid or lifted away to reveal the merchandise. The surface of the topper preferably has a receptacle for releasably holding information about the merchandise. The shipping container provides a pleasant and upscale experience to the buyer and may be used as a display container for the merchandise.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/201,492 filed Aug. 5, 2015, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

More and more customers are purchasing merchandise through onlineshopping and e-commerce. Merchandise purchased in such a way isgenerally shipped to the customer in a standard corrugate box or othercontainer suitable for delivering the merchandise in safe and undamagedcondition.

Traditional shipping containers include corrugated boxes with additionalpacking material or plastic shipping envelopes. This results inexcessive packing material, such as tissue paper, foam peanuts, tissue,or bubble wrap, in order to achieve product stability, safety, andpackage integrity, requires extra operational/warehousing costs, anddoes not provide effective solutions for inclusion of marketingmaterials. Further, shipping containers, such as card board boxes, aretypically designed to be functional and are not intended to provide thecustomer with an aesthetically pleasing, clean, or upscale purchasingexperience or to be used as display cases.

Further disadvantages of traditional shipping boxes include the box notbeing reinforced, and as such, the exterior box is not always rigid andprotective of the product inside. If a consumer uses a sharp object toopen traditional shipping boxes or envelopes, or, if the box is droppedor impacts a sharp object in transit, the walls of the box can becompromised, possibly damaging the contents inside. Environmentally,packing materials, such as, foam inserts, peanuts, and shredded paper,are not as recyclable or easy to break down and throw away. As a result,the consumer experience is not very “clean” or environmentallyresponsible. These additional packing materials are wasteful and requiremore to produce and warehouse, causing among other issues, increasedhandling, both for the shipper and recipient, and operational expenses.Other modular solutions such as foam inserts are much more expensive andenvironmentally wasteful to manufacture.

Accordingly, there is a need for a shipping container that alleviatesthe need for excess packaging while solving packaging integrity, as wellas being easy to assemble, environmentally responsible, operationallyefficient, aesthetically pleasing, and modular.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated in and form apart of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the presentinvention, and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a three quarter view of a container system according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a three quarter view of a container system with a modularportion according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an expanded cut-away view of a container system according tothe embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a three quarter view of a container system according to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a three quarter view of a container system including a pulldevice according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a detailed view of the topper and pull device according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of a pull device according toan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a three quarter view of another embodiment of a pull deviceaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a three quarter view of a pull device and topper, as shown inFIG. 5, combined with an object according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a three quarter view of a container system according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a three quarter view of a container system in which thetopper may be lowered according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a three quarter view of the container system depicted in FIG.9A in which the topper has been lowered into a shipping or displayposition;

FIG. 10A is a cut-away showing merchandise inside the container systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10B is a three quarter view of the container system firstillustrated in FIG. 9A for securing merchandise inside the containersystem;

FIG. 11 is a three quarter view of a container system according to yetanother embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate various aspects of the topper depicted in FIG.11; and,

FIG. 13 is a partially assembled view of the container system of FIG. 11with merchandise therein;

FIG. 14A-B is a three quarter view of a container system according to anadditional embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “having,” or “comprising” and variations thereof herein ismeant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereofas well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, theterms “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof,are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings,connections, supports, and couplings. It is also to be understood that“connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanicalconnections or couplings. Further, it is to be understood that the useof absolute terms such as “must,” “will,” and the like, as well asspecific quantities, plurals or singulars, are to be construed as beingapplicable to one or more of such embodiments, but not necessarily toall such embodiments. As such, embodiments of the invention may omit, orinclude a modification of, one or more features or functionalitiesdescribed in the context of such absolute terms.

The description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art ofmake and use embodiments of the disclosed invention. Variousmodifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, and principles herein may be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Therefore, embodiments disclosed herein are not intended tolimit the invention, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistentwith the principles and features disclosed. In addition, the headings inthis application are for reference purposes only and shall not in anyway affect the meaning or interpretation of the present invention.

In light of the above-discussed disadvantages and limitations of typicalshipping and display containers, it is highly desirable to provide acontainer system that integrates a secure, and resilient box thatprotects merchandise in shipping with a high end display case, thatprovides the user with a more sophisticated and desirable experienceupon opening the system, while also providing new marketing andplacement opportunities for documents. It is also desirable that thecontainer system remain as inexpensive as practical to manufacture andthat it also be configurable so that it may be used for differentproducts without the need to an entirely different line of containersystems.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the disclosedcontainer system eliminates the need for additional wasteful packingmaterials such as shipping peanuts, foam inserts, paper stuffing, andpaper shredding making it more eco-friendly. When executed as one piece,the box construction does not utilize multiple pieces, thus cutting downon manufacturing time and labor. When executed as two pieces, the toppermay be produced with multiple variations, such as, for example,different die-cut portions or perforations, to accommodate differentsize objects or to offer different features. This eliminates the need topurchase multiple exterior boxes. The top is preferably hinged orotherwise attached to the container, outer box, or housing to allow thetop to be moved so as to open the container, box, or housing. The topmay also be a separate component of the container so that it may becompletely removed from the container or housing.

In addition to the top, a topper assembly provides an additional layerof protection to the materials inside the container system and thetopper further serves as a platform for marketing materials such as, forexample, a thank you card or receipt. In addition, the topper may bescored, creating an additional portion for adjusting the height, anddie-cut so as to secure a product from movement and damage in transit.The topper is preferably attached to the outer box as one piece, but theouter box or housing and topper may be two separate pieces. Thematerial, which may be card board, for example, can be folded overitself and die-cut to create a multiple layered platform for the brandedmaterials to sit inside or to secure a pull device, which is discussedin more detail below. A pull device is used to assist in lifting themarketing material out of the die-cut receptacle area. The pull devicemay also be used to lift the topper to reveal the product inside. If apull device is not used, a die-cut thumb notch may be used to allow theuser to lift the topper using his/her finger.

The topper system preferably also reinforces the outer box. The outerbox and topper combination protect the product housed inside by creatingan additional layer of structural integrity to the exterior box whileadding a protective surface above the merchandise to avoid damage to theitem when opening with a sharp object such as a knife or letter opener.Additionally, the topper offers an excellent space to utilize foradditional branding and marketing material such as pamphlets, thank youletters, receipts, and graphics.

In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the box topper isa system that is easy to assemble and preferably ships flat, reducingshipping and warehousing costs. As one piece, it does not require theneed to purchase, manufacture, assemble, or add additional pieces ormaterials to achieve a secure and protective shipping experience. Inaddition, the topper system can be created with different die-cuts sothat only one exterior box size needs to be purchased or manufactured toaccommodate and secure multiple sizes of items. Die-cuts in the toppermay be perforated allowing retailers to punch out whichever shape theywant to utilize for the product being shipped.

Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention arediscussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures.Turning to the drawing figures, identical numerals correspond to thesame or similar features in each of the several embodiments. Thedrawings are not intended to indicate the scale or relative proportionsof the elements shown therein. Unless otherwise noted, all parts arepreferably fabricated from any suitable material, including for example,but in no way limited to: card board; corrugated card board; textilematerials; natural materials; wood; metal; plastic or any other materialor combination of materials capable of providing adequate stability,resilience and appearance.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a containersystem 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 and discussed below. As shown inFIGS. 1-2, the container system 100 includes exterior and interiorportions according to one possible embodiment. The container system 100includes an outer box or housing 110. The outer box or housing 110includes bottom 113, a number of sides 112, and a top 111. Thecollection of these parts 111-113 form the outer box 110 and may be madeby folding a single piece of material, such as, for example, card board,plastic, metal, and the like, into the appropriate shape or by combiningany number of individual parts. The outer box 110 may also include ahinge 114. The top 111 may also be, for example, separate from the sides112, and bottom 113 allowing the top 111 to be optionally fully removedfrom the outer box 110. The top 111 may also include multiple hingedportions 114 so as to provide additional security or support by engagingadditional sides 112 when to top is closed.

The container system 100 also includes a topper 120. The topper 120 maybe attached as an extension of the outer box 110, or separated as anindividual piece. The topper may include side pieces that when closedprovide additional support to the outer box 110. The topper 120 may becustomized to meet a number of needs, including, for example, where itincludes a modular portion 121. The topper 120 may also take manydifferent shapes depending on the needs of the user. For example, insome embodiments the topper may be narrower than the inside of theouter-box. The term topper 120 may be used when referring to the toppersystem that contains other individual or integrated pieces such as anadditional layer or layers, die-cuts, or flaps and is not to belimiting.

As shown in FIG. 2, the modular portion 121 may have more than oneposition depending on the needs of the retailer. For example it may bepositioned at either 121 a or 121 b or somewhere in between. Where themodular piece 121 is in position 121 b the addition of the modular piece121 forms a multi-layer topper 120 at least where the modular piece andthe topper 120 overlap. Alternatively the modular portion 121 canprovide support at the edge by contacting the sides 112 and the bottom113, or further alternatively, it may not be included at all. The topper120 may also be made of multiple layers when, for example, multiplelayers of material are used in its construction. The topper 120 may alsoreinforce the outer box 110 and protect any products housed inside theouter box 110 by creating an additional layer of structural integritywhile adding a protective surface above the merchandise. The topper 120may also provide space for additional branding and marketing materialsuch as pamphlets, thank you letters, receipts, graphics, etc. Thetopper 120 may also include a die-cut 150. As depicted, there may bemore than one die-cut 150, for example where 150 a represents a firstdie-cut in the first layer of the topper 120 and a second die-cut 150 brepresents a die-cut in an additional layer 121.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the container system 100 isconstructed so that the topper 120 is movable to allow a user to exposethe merchandise below. FIG. 3A, depicts the relationship between theadditional layer 121 the surface 122 and the die-cut 150 a and theresulting space 125. In this orientation, when the top 111 is opened,the user encounters the surface 122 of the topper 120 and may alsoencounter objects placed in the receptacle 125. As shown in FIG. 3B, thereceptacle 125 is preferably suited to hold information related to themerchandise for presentation to the buyer and is formed by the die-cut150 a. Objects 140 that may be placed in the receptacle 125 include butare not limited to pamphlets, thank you letters, receipts, graphics orany other object desired by the user. The topper 120 may be removedcompletely, for example, in embodiments where it is a separate piece, orit may be pivoted hingedly or slid out of the way. The topper 120 is ina partially closed position having gone from the position defined by thesegmented lines, to its depicted position by pivoting hingedly at anadditional hinged portion. The topper 120 may be multi-layered, forexample, by moving the modular portion 121 to position 121 b. The toppermay also optionally include a die-cut 150 a in the surface 122. Die-cut150 b may also be included in the modular portion 121. There can be anynumber of die-cuts 150 a-n and they make take many different shapes toaccommodate different uses. For example, where the topper includes theadditional layer 121 a die-cut 150 a allows objects to be placed in thereceptacle 125. For example, a card (not shown in FIG. 3B) may be placedin the receptacle 125 such that the corners of the card tuck intoreliefs at the corners of the die-cut 150 a between the surface 122 andthe additional layer 121. In this manner the reliefs may be in themodular portion 121. The topper 120 may also provide additionalreinforcement to the outer box 110. For example, when the top is closeda portion of the topper 120 may be adjacent to the sides 112, bottom113, or top 114 in such a manner as to increase the number of layers ofmaterial between the environment and the interior. In a preferredembodiment, the topper 120 may include flaps perpendicular to the bottom113 that engage the sides 112 when the topper 112 is in a closedposition thereby creating more than one wall and reinforcing the outerbox 110. Any number of reinforcement layers may be possible depending ofthe needs of the user. For example, where a multi-layer topper 120 isused, multiple reinforcement layers may exist to optionally provideincreased structural integrity.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the container system 100 may include a pulldevice 135. The pull device 135 allows, for example, a user to easilytransition the topper 120 from a closed to an open position or tooptionally remove it completely, thereby accessing their merchandise.The pull device 135 may consist of but is not limited to, for example,die-cut thumb notches, tabs, handles, notches, straps, or any othermeans to aid in the removal or movement of the topper 120 to reveal themerchandise. In a preferred embodiment, the pull device 135 is composedof a loop strap or ribbon and barb. The loop and barb can be placedthrough a die-cut section 150 in the manner shown. Where the die-cut 150a in the surface 122 already exists, the additional die-cut section 150b may be cut in the modular additional layer 121. Where a different pulldevice 135 is used the die-cut section 150 a-n may take any number offorms, or may not be necessary. For example, die-cut section 150 a-ncould be a thumb notch. In the depicted arrangement, for example, thepull device 135 may be installed and objects 140 placed in thereceptacle 125 such that the pull device remains accessible. Inaddition, in this arrangement, the pull device 135 may avoid interferingwith the top 111 such that the top 111 may close completely, furthersecuring the merchandise beneath both the topper 120 and the top 111.

In accordance with one aspect of the container system 100, a topper 120,pull device 135, and their integration with other features, areillustrated in FIGS. 5A-8. Referring to FIG. 5A, which illustrates apull device 135 where a ribbon and barb is used. In this embodiment, thepull device 135 is installed by positioning the strap or ribbon, andparticularly the barb, through a die-cut section 150 b, where thedie-cut is preferably narrower than the barb. By moving the strap andbarb in the manner depicted by the arrows, the barb passes through thetopper 120 and when readjusted, makes contact with the underside of thetopper 120 such that when a user pulls on the strap the force on thepull device 135 is transferred to the topper 120 raising the it toprovide access to the merchandise underneath. As shown in FIG. 5B, thepull device may be installed with the barb below the topper. The barbmay be coupled to the topper or simply help in place by upward force.The topper 120 can be one or more layers. Where more than one layer isused, the die-cut section 150 b may pass through any additional layers,or where a separate die-cut 150 exists in the first layer, an additionaldie-cut section 150 b may be necessary in any additional layers. Thedie-cut section 150 may be disposed in the surface 122, the modularadditional layer 121, both, or in other orientations not depicted. Othervariations of the pull device 135 may include die-cut thumb notches,tabs, handles, notches, or any other means to aid in the removal ormovement of the topper 120 to reveal the merchandise.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7 the container system 100 may include, for example,where the pull device 135, when installed, is designed to lay flat. Thesurface 122 may be die-cut 150 a in such a manner as to accommodate andallow the pull device 135 to pass beneath an object 140. The object maybe placed in the receptacle 125 where it rests above the additionalmodular layer 121 and where the corners of the object, a letter forexample, are slid into reliefs between the second layer 121 and thesurface 122 providing security for the object 140. This orientation isdepicted by the segmented lines, where the object 140 passes between thesurface 122 and the modular additional layer 121 into one or morereliefs. The pull device 135 may extend through the additional layer 121at die-cut 150 b and anchor to the bottom side of an additional layer ofthe topper 120. The strap portion of the pull device, then, may extendunder the object 140 such that it can be grasped by a user. The topper120 may include additional die-cut areas or shapes to allow for thestrap to lay flat and be grasped by a user.

As shown in FIG. 8, the individual components of the container system100 embodiment depicted in FIG. 5-7, when assembled, may appear, forexample, as a greeting card placed in the receptacle 125 while the pulldevice 135 remains accessible. The topper 120 provides increasedprotection and security for the goods, while also providing mountinglocations for the pull device 135 and an object 140. When a user opensthe top 111 they are met with, for example, the topper 120 where thesurface 122 contains a die-cut 150 a into which object 140 has beenplaced such that the user can easily access it. The object 140 mayinclude, but is not limited to, marketing material, letters, receipts,offers, pamphlets, thank you letters, and graphics. Further, in thisexample, the pull device 135 may be placed in such a manner that it iseasily accessible to the user, allowing them to remove the topper 120and access the merchandise underneath without a need for disturbing theobject 140. The pull device 135 may also, in some embodiments, allow forremoval, or assist in the removal of the object 140.

FIGS. 9A-B and 10A-B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention in the form of a container system 200. As shown in FIGS. 9Aand 9B, the topper 220 includes an additional portion 227 for adjustingheight 228. By lengthening or shortening this additional part 227 thelevel of topper 220, and thus the surface 222, can be moved up and downinside the outer box 210. The distance moved down being depicted as 228and may be accomplished, for example, by scoring and bending a portionof the topper 220. Moving the level of the topper 220 may provide anextra plane of security around the product, for example, by adjusting tofit around the desired security point. The topper 220 may also include afirst die-cut portion 250 a and one or more additional die-cut portions250 b-n. The die-cut portion can be of any shape. For example, thetopper 220 can be created with different die-cuts 250 a-n such that onlyone outer box 210 size needs to be purchased in order accommodate andsecure items of different shapes and sizes. Further, die-cuts in thetopper 220 may be perforated such that operators can select, forexample, which shape to utilize per the product being shipped. Byutilizing the adjustment portion 227 a user may selectively move atleast a first die-cut 250 a up or down such that the adjustable topper220 provides an additional plane of protection to an object. The topper220 can include die-cuts to fit around the base or mid-section of aproduct in order to secure it in transit. By managing both the shape ofthe die-cut and the height of the topper 220, the container system 200can secure a wide variety of material.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, the die-cut section 250 a-n may takeany form whether to accommodate a pull device 235 or an object 240 a,and may be the only die-cut or one of many. Multiple objects 240 a and240 b are depicted in die-cuts 250 a and 250 b. The topper 220 can alsobe raised or lowered 228 to provide an ideal level of protection duringtransit to any type of object 240 a-n placed in the die-cut 250 a-n. Thetopper 220 may also be lowered 228 to allow for different objects 140,of varying thickness, to sit on the surface 220.

FIG. 10A shows the topper 220 in a lower position to contact the object240 a near its middle. A die-cut 250 may allow the object 240 a to passthrough the topper 220 while optionally providing a tight fit. Inadditional embodiments the die-cut may allow the object 240 a to hangfrom the topper 220 without making contact with the top 211 or bottom213.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present inventionin which container system 300 includes a removable and separate topper320. The topper section 320 is separate from outer box 310 such thatdifferent toppers 320 may be inserted in a common size outer box 310.Consistent with other embodiments, the topper 320 may be customized tomeet a number of needs, including, for example, to house marketingmaterial, secure a product, provide an additional protective barrier tothe product, and/or multiple die-cuts. The individual topper 320 mayinclude multiple bend, creases, or pieces in order to take the shapedesired by a user. The individual topper 320 may be the same generalsize as the outer-box 310 or it may be smaller in one or moredimensions. The topper 320 may also include a pull device 335 in orderto allow a user to remove the topper 320. In single layer embodiments,the pull device 335 may be attached or coupled to the underside of thetopper 320 by any means known in the art, including, but not limited tostaples, rivets, glue or sonic welding. In multi-layer embodiments, thepull device 335 may be positioned between the layers. In additionalembodiments the pull device may be located elsewhere, for examplethrough a die-cut 350 or as a handle. The separate topper 320 may alsoinclude a first 350 a and second 350 b die-cut portions where one of thedie-cuts may, for example, be used for the pull device 335.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C, topper 320 isseparate from the outer box 310. The separate topper 320 may include anadditional layer 321 in a similar or identical fashion to the one piecetopper 120, referenced above. Separate topper 320 may also include apull device 335. The pull device may be located in between the topper320 and the additional folded layer 321. In this manner, when theremovable topper 320 is placed in the outer box 310, such that it sitsover any merchandise, the user can remove the separate topper 320 byutilizing the pull device 335. As depicted by 350 c and 350 d, die-cutsmay optionally be made in the additional layer 321 such that a die-cutmay pass through one or more layers. In this arrangement, objects may,for example, pass through or rest on, additional layers.

FIG. 13 illustrates the container system 300 in which the two piecesystem with a removable topper 320 functions in much the same way as asingle piece embodiment 100 or 200 described above and, further, may becombined with similar or identical features. The removable topper 320can include any variation of die-cut 350 a-n. For example, as shown, afirst 350 a and second 350 b die-cut exist to accommodate a first 340 aand second 340 b object 340. A further advantage of the separate topper320 is that it allows the seller to keep a number of different separatetopper 320 pieces for a single size outer box 310, thereby reducinginventory and waste. The separate topper 320 may also include a pulldevice 335. The pull device 335 can include a ribbon or strap, asdepicted, or, and not limited to, notches, handles, tabs, die-cut tabs,or any other means that allows the customer to easily open or remove thetopper 320 revealing the merchandise below. The separate topper 320 mayalso be height adjustable and be lowered by an amount 328 by reducingthe size of the side portions of topper 320.

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate a container system 400 in which a topper 420 mayoptionally include additional structure 427. The additional structuremay be coupled to the topper 420 such that it is removed with thetopper, or, in alternative embodiments, the additional structure may beseparate from the topper 420. The additional structure 427 may also beformed to accommodate merchandise. For example, as seen in FIG. 4B, theadditional structure can provide support to, for example, a clock, byincluding strategically positioned inset portions 460 at the additionalstructure portions 427 for contacting the edges of the merchandise, forexample, a clock. Additional support may be provided to any merchandisedisposed beneath the topper 420, by incorporating specific designs, ofwhich 460 is one example, into the additional support 427, for example,but not limited to, die-cut portions, ledges, segmented portions and thelike. In embodiments where the additional structure is coupled to thetopper, the additional structure may be removed without disturbing themerchandise or, alternatively, may assist in removing the merchandise.The large arrow shows the topper 420 as one piece being inserted intothe outer box 410. In separate embodiments, the topper 420 may beremoved separate from the additional structure 427 and the additionalstructure portions 427 may be added or removed depending on the needs ofthe user. In some embodiments the additional structure portions may bemanufactures flat and folded into their final shape. The additionalstructure may also be used where further reinforcement is necessary,where additional merchandise security is necessary, or both. Forexample, in at least one embodiment, additional structure at the cornersmay provide increased structural rigidity. The container system 400 maybe combined with similar or identical features as described inembodiments 100, 200, or 300.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated anddescribed, as noted above, many changes can be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the containermay be made of card board, plastic or other suitable material thatoffers structural integrity and adds to the overall upscale and pleasantbuying experience. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is notlimited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, theinvention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims thatfollow.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications andchanges may be made, however, without departing from the scope of thepresent invention as set forth in the claims. The specification andfigures are illustrative, not restrictive, and modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by theclaims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examplesdescribed.

For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may beexecuted in any order and are not limited to the specific orderpresented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elementsrecited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwiseoperationally configured in a variety of permutations and areaccordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in theclaims.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit,advantage, solution to problem, or any element that may cause anyparticular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become morepronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essentialfeatures or components of any or all the claims.

The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”,“includes” or any variations of such terms, are intended to reference anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article,composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does notinclude only those elements recited, but may also include other elementsnot expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article,composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of theabove-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions,elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the presentinvention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be variedor otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments,manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operatingrequirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shipping container comprising: a housing havinga top that may be opened; a topper contained within the housing andpositioned within the housing to present a surface when the top isopened; and, a device for moving the topper to reveal merchandisecontained in the housing.
 2. The shipping container of claim 1, whereinthe surface of the topper further comprises a receptacle for presentinginformation.
 3. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the pulldevice for removing the topper is a strap coupled to the topper forgripping and removing the topper from the container.
 4. The shippingcontainer of claim 1, wherein the topper comprises more than one layerof material.
 5. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the top ishingedly coupled to the housing, and where the topper is hingedlycoupled to a different portion of the housing, and where the toppercomprises more than one layer, and where the surface of the toppercomprises at least one receptacle for presenting merchandise, and wherethe pull device for removing the topper comprises a strap removablycoupled to the topper for gripping and pivoting away the topper from thehousing.
 6. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the toppercomprises one or more die-cut portions.
 7. The shipping container ofclaim 1, wherein the topper comprises an adjustment portion for loweringthe topper surface relative to the housing.
 8. The shipping container ofclaim 1, wherein the shipping container comprises a single sheet ofspecifically folded material.
 9. A shipping container comprising: ahousing; a top removably coupled to the housing; and, a topper containedwithin the housing and positioned within the housing to present asurface when the top is opened.
 10. The shipping container of claim 9,wherein a pull device is coupled to the topper.
 11. The shippingcontainer of claim 10, wherein the pull device comprises a strapremovably coupled to the topper.
 12. The shipping container of claim 9,wherein the topper further comprises an adjustment portion for raisingor lowering the topper within the housing.
 13. The shipping container ofclaim 9, wherein the top is hingedly coupled to the housing, and furtherwhere the topper is hingedly coupled to a different portion of thehousing.
 14. The shipping container of claim 13, wherein the surface ofthe topper further comprises at least one receptacle, and further wherethe receptacle comprises one or more reliefs at the edges of thereceptacle.
 15. The shipping container of claim 13, wherein the toppercomprises more than one layer, and where the pull device comprises astrap coupled to at least one layer, and further where the pull devicepivots the topper about a hinged portion.
 16. The shipping container ofclaim 9, wherein the shipping container comprises a single sheet ofspecifically folded material.
 17. A merchandise container suitable fordisplaying and shipping merchandise, while providing a pleasant andupscale experience to a buyer, comprising: a housing having a top thatmay be opened, the top hingedly coupled to the housing; a topperremovably contained within the housing and hingedly coupled to thehousing at a point opposite the point at which the lid is hingedlycoupled to the housing, the topper further positioned within the housingwhere the topper present a surface when the top is opened, the surfacecomprising: at least one die-cut portion through a first layer in thetopper, the die-cut portion further comprising a receptacle; and, a pulldevice for removing the topper, the device comprising a loop removablycoupled at one end to the topper.
 18. The shipping container of claim17, wherein the surface further comprises a space for marketingmaterial.
 19. The shipping container of claim 17, wherein the shippingcontainer comprises a single sheet of specifically folded material. 20.The shipping container of claim 19, wherein the specifically foldedmaterial comprises cardboard.